The UK’s best dog-friendly hotels for Easter staycations and beyond

Because is it really a holiday if your furry family members aren't with you?

dog friendly hotels

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

Opting for dog-friendly hotels for your next staycation opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to exploring the UK with your pooch in tow. You don't need to compromise on comfort or convenience either to ensure your pup can travel with you. Whether you're after a quiet countryside retreat or a luxurious haven amongst the hustle and bustle of a city, there are many hotels out there that will welcome canine companion with open arms, going above and beyond to make sure both you and your four-legged friend feel right at home on your dog-friendly holiday.

According to research from Lords and Labradors, one in eight UK dog owners say they never holiday abroad as they feel "too guilty" for leaving their four-legged friends behind. This has led to more dog owners than ever searching for pooch-friendly holiday parks and hotels on UK soil so they can include their canine companions in their travel plans. After all, holidays are all about taking time to relax and making memories with loved ones and for us, and a lot of other pet owners, that includes our pooches.

Best dog-friendly hotels at a glance:

• Best dog-friendly hotel in Carlisle: The Halston Hotel, Carlise - view on TripAdvisor
• Best dog-friendly hotel in Yorkshire: The Lister Arms – view on Booking.com
• Best dog-friendly hotel in Norfolk: The Globe Inn – view on Booking.com
• Best dog-friendly hotel in London: Hotel 41 – view on 41Hotel.com

When searching for dog-friendly hotels in the UK, there are a couple of things you'll want to consider before booking. First things first, location, location, location. You'll want to pick a hotel that is nearby to attractions and amenities where your dog is welcome so you can make the most of your stay. You'll also want somewhere that has ample outdoor spaces as well as nearby dog-safe walking trails or pooch-friendly beaches. This is so they've got places where they can go 'do their business' and areas where you can exercise and walk your dog comfortably.

To really take your stay at a dog-friendly hotel to the next level, consider hotels that offer packages tailored towards making sure both you and your pup have a relaxing break too. Some may provide additional services for your furry VIP, such as on-site grooming services and special menus catering to canine guests. Not to mention pet-specific amenities such as dog beds, bowls, treats and water disposal stations to make your stay together as smooth as possible. Not sure where to start looking? We've searched the web to bring you our top picks for the best dog-friendly hotels in the UK so the whole family can vacation together. Just remember to contact your chosen hotel after booking to let them know you're bringing your pooch along for your trip.

Best dog-friendly hotels across the UK

Bets dog friendly hotel in Carlisle

Halston Hotel CarlisleHalston Hotel
Price: £140+ per night

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

The Halston Hotel, boasting a stellar 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, offers a range of serviced apartments tailored to various needs, from cosy studios to spacious townhouses and even a penthouse accommodating up to four guests. Enjoy the best of both worlds with hotel amenities like a restaurant, gym, and bar, coupled with the convenience of self-catering options for those seeking flexibility during their stay. Situated in the heart of Carlisle city centre, the hotel is just a brief five-minute stroll from the train station, making it easily accessible for travellers. Moreover, its prime location provides a gateway to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the captivating landscapes of the Lake District and the historic marvels of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as the charming allure of the Scottish Borders.

Customer review: "Fabulous overnight stay at the Halston. Four adults and two dogs in a large suite. Warm and friendly staff greeted us, and dogs were welcomed with food, bowls and beds included in the suite. Very well-appointed kitchen, with welcome crumpets, butter, milk and pod coffee machine. Large comfy living room. Central location."

Pros

  • Treats and food on arrival
  • Spacious living area
  • Central location

Cons

  • Wedding venue, so can be noisy
  • The Halston states ‘welcoming dogs only’ and dog-friendly rooms are available by prior request only, so please call when booking to confirm.

Best dog-friendly hotel in Yorkshire

The Lister ArmsThe Lister Arms

Amongst the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, you'll find The Lister Arms, a quintessential English pub/18th-century inn boasting 23 dog-friendly bedrooms and an on-site bakery which creates homemade treats for you and your pups. Upon arrival, all four-pawed guests are greeted with treats, a bed and bowls for use throughout their stay. After a busy day of exploring the famous walks and trails of the Yorkshire Dales, paw-rents can make full use of the dog wash at the front door, complete with hose, dog shampoo and towels, plus a boot room to store your muddy wellies and otherdog walking accessories.

Customer review: "We had a fantastic stay at the Lister Arms. The staff are so friendly and accommodating, lovely rooms and great food. It was so nice to come back from a cold wet walk to the cosy fire and a hot chocolate. Lots of places say they’re dog friendly, but they really are here. Willow got a sausage for breakfast, they had home made dog treats, and fluffy mats for them to sit on rather than the stone floor. We will be recommending this special place to friends and family for sure."

Pros

  • Treats, a bed and bowls are provided for use throughout your stay
  • Dog wash complete with a hose, dog shampoo and towels
  • Winner of Best Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Yorkshire at The Yorkshire Tourism Awards 2023

Cons

  • A £15 surcharge is added to your bill for staying with a pet, but £5 of that is donated to the Dogs Trust
Additional dog charge:£15, with £5 of that donated to the Dogs Trust

Best dog-friendly hotel in Norfolk

The Globe InnThe Globe Inn/Booking.com

One for coastal explorers, The Globe Inn is paw-fectly placed near one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the UK, Holkham. The hotel offers a 'sandy paws' package that includes some special treats, a bed and towel to use during your stay and a drool-worthy sausage breakfast for you and your furry friend, plus dinner and a restful night's sleep in one of the stylish bedrooms. With beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes as far as the eye can see, and Holkham Hall on your doorstep, there's plenty to explore with your pooch along the North Norfolk coast, with Wells-Next-The-Sea being the ideal base for seeing everything on offer.

Customer review: "Just back from a fantastic night at The Globe- we booked it for the night of our wedding day and were treated like VIPs. Staff very friendly and attentive. Room really comfortable and loved all the doggy extras. We have a large friendly German Shepherd and usually have problems finding somewhere to stay but the staff made us feel very welcome. Will definitely be returning."

Pros

  • Sandy paws package that includes a bed and towel to use, treats and breakfast for you both
  • Dog-friendly restaurant on-site
  • Nearby to one of the UK's best dog-friendly beaches

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt the parking situation at the hotel could be better
Additional dog charge:N/A

Best dog-friendly hotel in London

Hotel 41Hotel 41

Want to explore the capital with your canine companion? A stay at Hotel 41 will put you at the heart of the action. Just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace, this hotel will ensure your four-legged friend will receive treatment fit for royalty. Your pup will be welcomed with a bottle of pet-friendly beer or champagne and a toy, plus the hotel has a dedicated pet concierge to ensure the needs of your pooch are met for the duration of your stay. Finishing touches include a turndown treat, and a 'do not disturb - pet sleeping' card.

Customer review: "This is by far the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in and dog friendly too! This was a special visit for our anniversary and wanted our dogs to join us for the occasion. The service, from the point of booking, has been incredible. All of the staff are polite and very helpful making our stay that extra impressive. On arrival, we were sat in the beautiful lounge, which is stunning and had a glass of champagne (pawsecco for the dogs). There is a complimentary snack cart, which serves a variety of delicious foods throughout the day. We were shown to our room and what a room it was. I believe we had been upgraded and found a beautiful anniversary cake, chocolates and a card on the side. The dogs had their own bed with dog-safe popcorn and treats as well as toys. We had already planned a separate restaurant booking (as we had the dogs) but returned to the lounge in the evening. After having a few drinks (and some more treats from the cart) we returned to our room to find evening biscuits plus a card addressed to the dogs and our bed ready for a great night's sleep. I would 100% recommend this hotel. I felt like a queen for the night and the fact we could have our dogs with us everywhere, really made it for us. Thank you Hotel 41, would love to return."

Pros

  • Welcome gift of dog-friendly beer or Champagne and a toy
  • Dedicated pet concierge
  • Cute little touches, such as a 'do not disturb' sign for your pooch

Cons

  • One customer reviewer states they had to pay a large security deposit in case their pup soiled or damaged the room, which was refunded at the end of their stay
Additional dog charge:Refundable security deposit

Best dog-friendly hotel in the Cotswolds

The Fish HotelThe Fish Hotel/Booking.com

Tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds, The Fish Hotel offers a serene escape for you and your four-legged companion, providing a range of dog-friendly accommodations, including a charming treehouse straight from a storybook. Situated amidst 400 acres of private woodland, you're in the perfect location for walkies and for added excitement; there's even a dog agility course that your pup can play on to their heart's content. For the duration of your stay, your canine companion will be treated to a cosy dog bed, two bowls for food and water, delicious treats, and a plush dog towel for wiping down after wet and muddy walks.

Customer review: "Such an unpretentious yet luxury place to spend a few days, where all the small touches make all the difference. Dogs looked after so well - from sausages at breakfast and an agility course to try, to beds for sitting beside you at dinner - the well-stocked mini bar, an amazing double bath experience on our treehouse balcony, 'rental' boots for the muddy walk to Broadway, stunning food, friendly staff. It isn't the cheapest... but 'you get what you pay for' and we will be back for sure!"

Pros

  • 400 acres of woodland to walk amongst
  • Dog agility course for your pup to play on
  • Amenities on arrival include a dog bed, bowls, treats and a dog towel.

Cons

  • Dogs are not allowed into the on-site restaurant
Additional dog charge:£30

Best dog-friendly hotel in Derbyshire

Ringwood Hall Hotel & SpaRingwood Hall Hotel & Spa/Booking.com

Within the grandeur of a 19th-century manor house, the Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa invites both you and your furry companion to indulge in a lavish staycation. To give your pooch an extra special treat, you can upgrade your stay to include the 'Pampered Pooch Experience' which features rejuvenating walkies, followed by a luxurious shampoo massage bubble bath and a pampering pedicure and paw soak. Thanks to the on-site Garden Secret Spa's rejuvenating amenities, including a steam room, sauna, and vitality pool, you'll also get the rest and relaxation experience you deserve.

Customer review: "A lovely hotel. The staff were efficient, the owners were present and the overall ambience and cleanliness was faultless. I came here with my little dog who was also made welcome. I can thoroughly recommend this hotel and I will definitely come here again."

Pros

  • Pampered pooch experience for an extra charge
  • Pet sitting service available
  • Ideally located for exploring the Peak District

Cons

  • Dogs are not allowed in indoor communal areas
Additional dog charge:£15

Best dog-friendly hotel in Cornwall

St Michaels ResortSt Michaels Resort

On the south coast of Cornwall, the St Michaels Resort welcomes the whole family, including your four-pawed pals. Canine guests checking into self-catering beach residences or resort-style bedrooms will each enjoy snacks, a blanket, a dog bed and a bowl. The best thing about these room types is that they offer outside space; for example, the cosy king has patio doors leading onto a semi-private courtyard, so there's a convenient spot for your pup to do its business.

Customer review: "We picked St Michael's resort in Falmouth because they said they were dog friendly. Well, they were way more than that. Beautiful, large room with a huge, spotless bathroom and a private courtyard garden with sea views. Our two dogs were provided a bed each, bowls, treat bags... Food was superb, staff were very friendly, the whole experience was just fab. Thank you."

Pros

  • Snacks, a blanket, a dog bed and a bowl for your pup to use during your stay
  • Dog-friendly rooms have outdoor space
  • On the doorstep of a beach

Cons

  • Only the beach residences or resort bedrooms are dog-friendly
Additional dog charge:N/A

Best dog-friendly hotel in Scotland

Trigony House Hotel & Garden SpaTrigony House Hotel & Garden Spa/Booking.com

The Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa, nestled in the serene Dumfriesshire countryside, extends a warm welcome to dogs, actively embracing them as valued guests. Upon arrival, you and your pooch will receive a thoughtful welcome pack, complete with a curated map showcasing the best local walks and gourmet treats for your furry companion. The hotel provides all the essentials for your dog's comfort, including a cosy bed, bowls, and towels, along with a dog-friendly menu at breakfast.

Customer review: "Had a great stay at Trigony House. The room was lovely and luxurious. Setting was picturesque and peaceful. The food was spectacular. Our dog was treated like Lord of the manor, he had his own breakfast menu. Staff were really professional and helpful."

Pros

  • Map of the best local walks to do with your pooch
  • Dog-friendly breakfast menu
  • Welcome pack including gourmet treats

Cons

  • Dogs aren't allowed in every area of the hotel
Additional dog charge:£15 per pet, per night

Best dog-friendly hotel in Wales

Caer Rhun HallCaer Rhun Hall/Booking.com

In the picturesque Conwy Valley amidst the Snowdonia hills, you'll find the splendid Grade II Listed gem that is Caer Rhun Hall. It has over 18 acres of lush gardens to explore, so it's ideal for adventures with your four-legged companion. You'll have a choice of charming dog-friendly rooms in the main house or the Villa, where your pet will be treated to a welcome pack that includes a cosy bed for resting their paws after a long day of exploring, delicious treats and water bags for convenience, as well a walking guide to help you plan your stay. The lounge is also dog-friendly, so your V.I.Pooch can join you for breakfast.

Customer review: "A lovely weekend away in North Wales at the Caer Rhun Hall with the good lady and our little dog Charlie. This hotel is really something very special and we recommend anyone to come here and enjoy this wonderful place. The whole experience from start to finish has been first class and totally relaxing. The staff are great, especially Kenndrea, Michelle, Crystal and Mike who go above and beyond to make your stay truly special. The hall has been renovated to a high standard and has kept its original features. The bedrooms are clean, comfortable with everything you need. The hotel is dog friendly and provides a welcoming treat box for them on arrival. Charlie has been so well behaved, everyone loves him. We all look forward to returning in the near future but until then, thank you."

Pros

  • 18 acres of gardens to explore
  • Welcome pack with treats, waste bags and more
  • Near to Snowdonia

Cons

  • Maximum of two dogs
Additional dog charge:£25 per pet, per night

FAQs

Do dog-friendly hotels charge extra fees for pets?

Most dog-friendly hotels charge extra fees for having dogs stay in your room. This could either be one additional charge per dog for the duration of your stay, or you could be charged a per pet, per night fee. This will entirely depend on your chosen hotel so this is something to check when sending the details of your furry friend over to the hotel upon booking.

Do I need to notify the hotel in advance if I’m bringing my dog?

Even when booking a hotel or holiday park that's dog friendly, you should notify them in advance of your stay that you’re bringing your pooch with you on your trip. We would recommend emailing the hotel a little bit about your pup alongside a picture – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love seeing cute dog pics in their inbox? This extra information can make sure the hotel is able to provide the right room for you and your canine companion, and if they offer any extra amenities, such as a dog bed for your stay, they can make sure it’s the paw-perfect fit for your pooch.

Additionally, some hotels may have specific pet policies that require them to fill in additional paperwork ahead of your visit so informing them with details in advance of your arrival at the hotel will help to make the check-in process that little bit smoother.

Are there any size or breed restrictions for dogs staying at hotels?

Some dog-friendly hotels may have restrictions on the types of dogs you can bring to stay with them. Typically, you may find some hotels favour small and medium-sized dogs as opposed to bringing larger pooches or heavier hounds with you. They may also specify your pooch must be toilet-trained before bringing them to stay with you to avoid little accidents occurring in the rooms, so you might not be able to take a new puppy with you. However, the restrictions on size, breed and age will vary by hotel so you will need to check before you book.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.

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